Author: Sandra Cruz

Blogger, book reviewer, artist, poet, avid reader and nature/animal lover.

Jeremy Pinnell’s second single from new album

‘Night Time Eagle’ is Jeremy Pinnell’s second single from his new album Goodbye L.A., due out October 1. Photo: google

When Jeremy Pinnell released OH/KY in the summer of 2015 to stunned acclaim, it felt like an entire career compressed into one knock-out album. Hailed as, a “Mind-blowingly good” (Greg Vandy/KEXP) “tutorial on classic country music” (Popmatters), Pinnell’s debut immediately was set apart as authentic and unflinching. Dogged touring through Europe and the States and celebrated radio sessions followed, cementing Pinnell’s position as a no-fuss master of his craft. (Jeremy Pinnell, 2021)

His 2017 album, Ties of Blood and Affection presented a canny lateral move. Instead of doubling down on the stark themes and values of his debut, the sophomore album found Pinnell finding comfort in his own skin, achieving the redemption only hinted at in his previous batch of haunted songs. Pinnell’s newest album, Goodbye L.A., is set to be released on October 1, 2021.

In a flurry of vocal harmonies, funky telecaster picking, and a steady two step beat, Jeremy Pinnell’s brand new single “Night Time Eagle” is off to the races before listeners even know what hit them. It is a song full of Bakersfield country vibes over which Pinnell’s words narrate the balance of keeping the proverbial tour-train on its tracks. “We spent a lot of time on the road and this song was written to let my wife know everything was on the up and up,” he says. “Night Time Eagle” is the second single from Goodbye L.A., Pinnell’s upcoming album due out October 1 via SofaBurn Records. Glide Magazine premiered “Night Time Eagle” saying “For Pinnell, this tune marks an exciting new direction down yet another real-deal country sound and is only further evidence that he is an artist who is absolutely worthy of widespread acclaim.” Fans can listen to “Night Time Eagle” right now at this link and pre-order Goodbye L.A. ahead of its October 1 release right here.

For vinyl lovers, “Night Time Eagle” will be pressed as a limited run 7-inch release. The primary side of the vinyl will have the album cut of “Night Time Eagle” while the alternate side will house Pinnell’s haunting cover of the 1990 Concrete Blonde classic “Joey” which was released as a stand-alone single in January 2021. “Joey” will not be on Goodbye L.A. therefore this 7-inch will be the only way to own it on vinyl. “Night Time Eagle” will also have its own dedicated, limited edition tee shirt. Both the shirt and the vinyl are available for purchase now at sofaburn.com.

Catch Jeremy Pinnell On Tour:
August 21 – Austin, TX – The White Horse
August 22 – Galveston, TX – The Old Quarter Cafe’
August 24 – Austin, TX – Sam’s Town Point
August 25 – San Antonio, TX – Sam’s Burger Joint
August 27 – Fort Worth, TX – Magnolia Motor Lounge
August 28 – Dallas, TX – The Kessler Theater with Jonathan Tyler
August 29 – Little Rock, AR – The White Water Tavern
September 3 – Indianapolis, IN – Duke’s Indy
September 4 – Monticello, KY – Hidden Ridge Camping

Goodbye L.A. Track list:
Big Ol’ Good
Wanna Do Something
Red Roses
Night Time Eagle
Never Thought Of No One
Doing My Best
Rosalie
Cryin’
Goodbye L.A.
Fightin’ Man

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The DoSeum announces 2021 Artists in Residence and holiday exhibit

The DoSeum’s holiday exhibit is DoSeum Express: Tiny Trains and Trolleys. Photo: google

The DoSeum is proud to announce an exciting group of artists selected as part of its fifth annual Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program. For this year’s Artist-in-Residence exhibition, The DoSeum sought artists who traditionally work in miniature and who could bring an artistic touch to the holiday exhibit DoSeum Express: Tiny Trains and Trolleys. “We are thrilled to work with these talented artists to launch a new holiday tradition for San Antonio Families” says Dan Menelly, DoSeum CEO, “The miniature worlds created by these artists for DoSeum Express: Tiny Trains and Trolleys are imaginative, playful, and incredibly creative, we cannot wait to share them with our visitors.” (The DoSeum, 2021)

The 2021 DoSeum Artists-in-Residence are:

  • Daniel Rivera, who creates miniature worlds that provide the viewer with a sense of amusement and exploration while expressing complex subjects rendered in a miniature scale.
  • Kallie Cheves’ work involves photographic installations that hold deep roots in surrealism. Cheves also writes and illustrates children’s picture books using hand-cut paper miniature creatures. She enjoys weaving science with myth and lore to encourage social-emotional conversations between children and their caregivers. 
  • Linda Vivenza began sharing small-scale dollhouse scenarios with running humorous and quotable narratives in 2013, primarily for the development of large-scale photos. Her life-like miniature displays capture interactions, which move people together to share common, funny moments in real life.  
  • Randall Rudd was once an actual child himself and has fostered his interest in all things mechanical and miniature since inventing a working phonograph with Tinker Toys at age  Aside from being a university professor, Rudd also delights in model railroading and creating automata (performing sculpture) for various museums. 
  • Robert Wurzbach and Emily Kinder are a brother and sister team joining forces to create a special miniature world for The  Kinder’s interest in miniatures began 10 years ago with the creation of Putz houses. She was intrigued by the concept of a tiny world of cardboard houses. From there a new creative world arose. Wurzbach’s interest in miniatures began as a child watching his mother and Grandmother make small decorations and desserts for every season. His favorite was the decorative peek-a-boo sugar Easter eggs.

This year’s artists-in-residence will apply their imagination, creativity, and out-of-the-box ideas to create distinct miniature sceneries children can view through pop-up bubbles and cameras. The exhibit is set to become a new holiday tradition for San Antonio families and will feature public workshops where AIR artists will share their art practice with children. DoSeum Express: Tiny Trails and Trolleys opens on November 6, 2021, and on view through January 2, 2022.

“We are thrilled to work with these immensely talented artists to create a new holiday tradition for The DoSeum and San Antonio. We cannot wait to present these fantastical miniature sceneries in our gallery and offer a truly creative and unique new holiday experience.” – Meredith Doby, Vice President of Exhibits for The DoSeum

The DoSeum is much more than a children’s museum. It is a place where interactive fun and hands-on learning come together—a place where minds are always at play. The DoSeum offers exhibits, programs, camps, classes, and field trips designed for all learners, encouraging young minds to explore the joy of learning through connections to STEM, the arts, and literacy. Originally founded as San Antonio Children’s Museum, The DoSeum has grown over the past 25 years to become a premier leader in informal education, while still staying true to the mission of connecting families and transforming communities. The DoSeum is a 501 c3-non-profit organization.

‘Great American Road Trips: Scenic Drives’ excerpt

Reader’s Digest’s ‘Great American Road Trips: Scenic Drives.’ Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Now that summer is here, most people will be taking vacations, including road trips. Reader’s Digest has put together a new book, the first in the Great American Road Trips series, that covers Scenic Drives. Hoping to inspire readers to travel and explore the wide-opens spaces and breathtaking views of our country, “Great American Road Trips – Scenic Drives: Discover Insider Tips, Must-See Stops, Nearby Attractions and More” is a complete guide to making road trips easier.

Here is an excerpt from “Great American Road Trips.”

OAK CREEK CANYON
Red rocks, steep switchbacks and dramatic views make this Arizona drive a nail-biter.
Story by Marija Andric

Excerpted from GREAT AMERICAN ROAD TRIPS: SCENIC DRIVES, A Reader’s Digest Book, copyright © 2020 by RDA Enthusiast Brands, LLC. Used by permission of Trusted Media Brands, Inc., New York. Available wherever books are sold.

Growing up in Arizona, I loved the biodiversity of the state. Minutes from my home, I could hike the best trails in the Sonoran Desert, and after a few hours of driving, I could breathe fresh alpine air and marvel at fall foliage. And there’s one scenic drive in Arizona that has it all: Oak Creek Canyon.

This 15-mile state-designated scenic road along Route 89A begins in Sedona (if you’re coming from Phoenix) and winds its way north to Flagstaff. It curves up the Colorado Plateau from the high desert to a landscape of ponderosa pines.

Getting to the start of the drive is a treat for the senses. Route 89A rolls through Oak Creek Village, passing iconic red rocks that are named for their shapes. The landscape has an unearthly feel, and its singular beauty is unforgettable. Bell Rock, which is just off the road, is a popular spot to pull over for pictures or go on a hike along the lower, easier trail.

My family and I took this drive in the summer to escape the dry desert heat and in the fall to see the foliage, which begins to turn in November. After crossing the Midgley Bridge, our first stop was Slide Rock State Park, a 43-acre historic apple farm that was at one time the Pendley homestead. Growing apples in the high desert sounds far-fetched, but Frank Pendley mastered an innovative irrigation technique in 1912 that allowed his orchards to thrive. In fact, today park officials still use the same technique to water the remaining heirloom trees.

Though the apple orchard is amazing, the main attraction is the park’s namesake natural slide, which is a slippery chute of worn sandstone about 80 feet long and up to 4 feet wide. The waters of Oak Creek, which carved this canyon, are icy cold and refreshing. Children and adults alike squeal in delight as the water carries them down the slide into a pool.

Algae makes the rocks especially slippery, so it’s important to wear water shoes. It’s also important to look up and appreciate the canyon walls and cliffs that surround the park. I’ve never been disappointed by that view.

Back on the highway, you could easily stay in your car to take in the sights, but along the road, a few picnic sites, campgrounds and overlooks, such as Banjo Bill and Halfway, are well worth exploring.

The farther you drive, the higher you climb. The air cools, and by the time you reach the West Fork Trail, ponderosa pines appear alongside oaks and junipers. The trail, one of the most popular in the area, follows the west fork of Oak Creek.

In fall, the trees are ablaze with reds, oranges and yellows. The canyon walls soar, and the sound of the moving water soothes. You’ll step onto a paved trail that leads to a footbridge over the creek and Mayhew’s Lodge, the ruins of an old guesthouse that burned down in 1980. At that point, your West Fork Trail adventure begins. The in-and-out hike is about 6 miles round trip.

The thrilling part of the drive begins at Pumphouse Wash. For the following 2 miles, the road curves into a series of switchbacks, each steeper than the last.

If you’re lucky enough to be the passenger, you’ll see some gorgeous views of the canyon. (My mother always kept her head down during this part of the drive.) If you’re the driver, well, you’re probably looking at your knuckles and the road ahead.

Years ago, my husband-to-be and I went on this curvy drive. Though I knew where we were going, he insisted on using GPS. As the GPS attempted to chart the switchbacks, the fine pink line of the road turned into a blob.

It’s a slow drive to the top, but when you get there, be sure to stop at the Oak Creek Vista. Take a look back at where you’ve been, and marvel at the wonder of it all. The elevation changes and the diverse ecosystems of the drive are laid out before you. It’s a popular stop with visitors. The overlook is also home to a market offering Native American arts and crafts.

At this point, you’re on the Colorado Plateau’s southwestern edge. This is commonly referred to as the Mogollon Rim. The air up here is cooler and the forest is thick with pine trees.

The old lumber town of Flagstaff (home to the San Francisco Peaks, Northern Arizona University and Route 66) lies ahead. But that’s a scenic drive for another day.

POINTS OF INTEREST
Length
15 miles

Fun Fact
The dramatic reds and oranges in the rocks of Sedona come from iron oxide, left from a post-glacial ocean that filled the Verde Valley.

Words to the Wise
A Red Rock Pass is required if you want to stop and park your car along the drive.

Side Trip
Thousands of years before Hollywood discovered the red rocks of Sedona and the beauty of Oak Creek Canyon, the Sinagua called this place home. Though they moved on centuries ago, they left behind the Palatki and Honanki cliff dwellings. The sites are open to the public and overseen by Coconino National Forest staff. Call 928-282-3854 to reserve a tour spot.

Nearby Attractions
Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff; Tlaquepaque district, Sedona; Fort Verde State Historic Park, Camp Verde; Sharlot Hall Museum, Prescott; Smoki Museum, Prescott

Slide Rock State Park’s natural slide is an oasis of fun. Photo: Pat Canova/Alamy Stock Photo

Television adaptation: ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ by Liane Moriarty

The television adaptation of ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ is available now on Hulu. Photo: google

Liane Moriarty is the Australian author of eight internationally best-selling novels: “Three Wishes,” “The Last Anniversary,” “What Alice Forgot,” “The Hypnotist’s Love Story,” “Nine Perfect Strangers,” and the number one The New York Times bestsellers: “The Husband’s Secret,” “Big Little Lies,” and “Truly Madly Guilty.” Her books have been translated into over forty languages and sold more than twenty million copies. “Big Little Lies” and “Truly Madly Guilty” both debuted at number one on The New York Times bestseller list – the first time ever by an Australian author. “Big Little Lies” was adapted into a multiple award-winning HBO series with a star-studded cast including Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon. Hulu adapted “Nine Perfect Strangers” into a limited series starring Nicole Kidman and Melissa McCarthy and is available as of August 18, 2021. (amazon, 2021)

“Nine Perfect Strangers” – Nine people gather at a remote health resort. Some are here to lose weight, some are here to get a reboot on life, some are here for reasons they cannot even admit to themselves. Amidst all the luxury and pampering, the mindfulness and meditation, they know these ten days might involve some real work. But none of them could imagine just how challenging the next ten days are going to be. Frances Welty, the formerly best-selling romantic novelist, arrives at Tranquillum House nursing a bad back, a broken heart, and an exquisitely painful paper cut. She is immediately intrigued by her fellow guests. Most of them do not look like they need a health resort at all. But the person that intrigues her most is the strange and charismatic owner/director of Tranquillum House. Could this person really have the answers Frances did not even know she was seeking? Should Frances put aside her doubts and immerse herself in everything Tranquillum House has to offer – or should she run while she still can? It is not long before every guest at Tranquillum House is asking the same question.

Krause’s Café hosts Mollie B & SQUEEZEBOX with Ted Lange

Celebrate Oktoberfest this September at Krause’s Café & Biergarten Featuring Mollie B & SQUEEZEBOX with Ted Lange. Photo: Krause’s Café & Biergarten, used with permission.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten is excited to announce an evening of music with opening act Terry Cavanagh and International Polka Hall of Famers, Mollie B & SQUEEZEBOX with Ted Lange as part of the restaurant’s Oktoberfest celebration. Terry Cavanagh will open the festivities at 4:30p.m. and Molly B & SQUEEZEBOX with Ted Lange will take the stage at 7p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online or through Eventbrite. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2021)

National TV and recording star, Mollie B and 2-Time Grammy Nominee Ted Lange lead “Mollie B & SQUEEZEBOX with Ted Lange,” a collaboration of award-winning musicians with extensive performance backgrounds. Mollie and Ted are the first and only husband and wife inducted into the International Polka Association Hall of Fame. They also host one of the only two polka shows on Sirius XM. Since March of 2020, their YouTube popularity has grown due to their weekly Tuesday night show. 

Mollie is the host of the popular “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD-TV, currently broadcast into over forty-eight million households via DISH Network, Direct TV, and over six hundred independent cable systems. She has been named Female Vocalist of the Year by the United States Polka Association and the International Polka Association multiple times. The popular “Mollie B Christmas Special” has received rave reviews and awards. 

To date, SQUEEZEBOX has released four highly regarded recordings that have garnered “Best Of” awards from various organizations. SQUEEZEBOX has also been named one of the top five performing polka bands in the nation by the “247PolkaHeaven.com People’s Choice Awards.” The band also wrote a song for and appeared in the latest Clint Eastwood film, “The Mule.” 

Thursday, September 2, doors open at 4p.m.
Terry Cavanagh beginning at 4:30p.m.
Mollie B & SQUEEZEBOX with Ted Lange from 7p.m. – 10p.m.

Krause’s Café & Biergarten
186 S. Castell Ave.
New Braunfels, TX 7813

Krause’s Café & Biergarten is a New Braunfels historic restaurant opened in 1938 and successfully run until 1995. Today, Krause’s Café honors the previous traditions of the restaurant with the addition of a ‘Biergarten,’ live music, and more. The menu reflects New Braunfels’ German heritage as well as South Texas flavors. Over one hundred beers are available on tap with local, regional, and international options. The restaurant also features cocktails and wines on tap. Krause’s Café is located at 186 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, next to the popular New Braunfels Farmers Market.

Theater review: ‘The Panza Monologues’ at the Cellar Theatre

‘The Panza Monologues’ is playing through Sunday August 22, 2021. Photo: google

This weekend is your last chance to catch Teatro Audaz’ production of ‘The Panza Monologues.’ Upcoming showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m. at the Cellar Theatre and livestream online. Written by Virginia Grise and Irma Mayorga, ‘The Panza Monologues’ is based on women’s stories about their panzas—tú sabes—that roll of belly we all try to hide. ‘The Panza Monologues’ features the words of Chicanas speaking with humor and candor. Their stories boldly place the panza front and center as a symbol that reveals the lurking truths about women’s thoughts, lives, loves, abuses, and living conditions. Directed by Paula Rodriguez and featuring the ensemble cast of Brizzo Torres, Jojanie Moreno, Isabel DeLaCerda, and Laura T. Garza, it runs an hour and ten minutes with no intermission.

‘The Panza Monologues’ has played across the nation and now it has come home to where it all began. Right from the start, it gives off an unmistakable ‘San Anto’ vibe and is a bilingual narrative of everything having to do with curves. It begins with an introduction by the four ladies onstage stating that women have no problem talking about vaginas, and then give various synonyms for it, yet are hesitant, even shy, to talk about their ‘panzas.’ Their battle cry is “Panza Power!” The production includes the sections ‘Historia’ (an ode to shoes – ‘tacones’ and female empowerment), ‘Hunger for Justice,’ ‘Noticias’ (sobering facts about how people have gotten fatter and San Antonio is seen as one of the fattest cities), ‘Praying,’ ‘Panza Power,’ and ‘Political Panza.’ It ends with a party-like atmosphere and all four ladies return onstage to urge women to be proud of their curves, or ‘panza proud.’ As they proclaim: “When all else fails, power to the panza.”

Overall, ‘The Panza Monologues’ celebrates women and urges them to love their curves. One of the funniest and most relatable moments is when one of the ladies uses a pair of pliers to try to adjust her jeans – definite grade A performance. The show does an excellent job of balancing humor, history, and more serious topics such as ‘the diabetic mom’ – how she developed diabetes and how it affected the family. The real conversation starter must be the debate between Cubans and Mexicans where the question that hangs is “If obesity is synonymous with capitalism, then why is San Antonio one of the poorest and fattest cities around?” It also uses poetry to convey the frustrating and challenging ways that women feel about their bodies. While the main topic is how women should accept and love themselves, it also touches on obesity, diabetes, and income inequality and hopefully it will spark a conversation to bring about much needed changes in our society. There is moderate cursing, but it does not distract from the message. ‘The Panza Monologues’ is a must-see production filled with humor and relevant social issues with excellent performances by everyone involved.

Notes on the livestream: sometimes it is hard to hear the dialogue when there is music in the background.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Twin Liquors hosts new End of Summer Sale

Twin Liquors is hosting new End of Summer Sale in lieu of Dollar Sale and offering deals at highly-discounted prices. Photo: Twin Liquors, used with permission.

Twin Liquors, Central Texas’ fine wine and spirits retailer, is happy to announce a new End of Summer Sale offering incredible deals on wine and spirits. The sale will kick off today, August 18, and run through Monday, September 6, 2021. Shoppers can look forward to amazing prices on collectible wines, Twin Sourced wines, and hundreds of popular spirits. The sale is valid in all 100+ Twin Liquors locations across the state, including their Sigel’s brand in Dallas, and will also be available online. (Twin Liquors, 2021)

“Like everyone, we have done a lot of pandemic-pivoting. While we will miss the Dollar Sale, we feel confident that this sale will excite and delight while respecting the safety of our staff and community.” – Sandra Spalding, Director of Marketing at Twin Liquors.

The End of Summer Sale will be for three weeks, rather than the tight three-day window of the Dollar Sale, giving customers a longer time to shop, which will help to mitigate the crowds. While not every item will be on sale, there will be thousands of well-curated items on sale. This sale will also be available online.

Twin Liquors is committed to its team members and communities and is working diligently during this challenging time to balance the needs of the community and staff while navigating this uncertainty together. Safety protocols are available online.

To shop Twin Liquors, please visit the link here. Customers can shop through the website or the Twin Liquors app, available to download on iOS and Android app stores. All Twin Liquors locations will be open Monday through Saturday from 10a.m. to 9p.m.

Born and raised in downtown Austin, Texas, Twin Liquors began as one small store and has developed into a successful “home-grown” Texas family-owned company. Their reputation is unique throughout the United States for having impeccable team members, outstanding customer service, conveniently located stores, extensive selections of fine wines and premium spirits from around the world, and substantial community involvement. Twin Liquors currently operates 100+ neighborhood stores from Austin to San Antonio, the Hill Country to Houston, and the DFW area with their Sigel’s branded stores.

Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café celebrates two years in San Antonio

Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café on Main Street at The Shops at La Cantera. Photo: Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café, used with permission.

Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café located on Main Street at The Shops at La Cantera is celebrating its second anniversary in San Antonio through community give back. The restaurant’s “Eat Here, Feed There” program will benefit two charities it partnered with during its grand opening – the San Antonio Food Bank and Culinaria. (Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café, 2021)

As part of “Eat Here, Feed There,” Sweet Paris will donate five percent of all crêpes sold to the charities during the month of September. The San Antonio Food Bank, which serves Southwest Texas, provides food for 120,000 individuals weekly – a number that reflects the pandemic’s local impact. Sweet Paris also partners with the San Antonio Food Bank year-round with an ongoing campaign to donate fourteen cents per participating crêpes sold to provide one meal to a child in need. The not-for-profit Culinaria promotes San Antonio as a premiere food and wine destination through year-round events including Restaurant Weeks, Chef Swaps, Hallowine Run, and Food Trails.

“Giving back is just a part of our company tradition. We’re thrilled to be celebrating our second anniversary and thankful we can give back to this community which has welcomed us so warmly.” – Strategic Partner Stephan Raveneau, Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café

Recently, Sweet Paris announced its Build Your Own Crêpes catering menu, which is ideal for anyone planning a party for a group of twenty guests or more for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Catering professionals will customize a menu for your event and budget. For party planning call or text (832) 967-8396 or submit your request to Stephan Raveneau. Orders can be prepared on site or served boxed as a complete meal.

Founded in Houston, Texas in 2012, Sweet Paris has locations in Rice Village, CityCentre, Katy, Highland Village, College Station, The Woodlands, Baybrook, Sugar Land, Austin, San Antonio, and Nuevo Vallarta — with new locations coming soon.

Turkey Cranberry Brie Crepe. Photo: Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café, used with permission.

Celebrate National Aviation Day with JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa has a private airstrip for cross-country travelers. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.

Airports are busier, planes are filling up, and everything associated with travel is starting to show signs of recovery after a difficult year. Now is the time to get out and spread your wings again – even more so with National Aviation Day, August 19, just around the corner. To skip the crowded airports, plan a point-to-point getaway on your personal plane or privately charter their aircraft and land at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)  

JL Bar Ranch, Resort, and Spa—a 32-room boutique resort in Texas Hill Country with standalone accommodations on the sprawling 13,000-acre property—makes small-scale travel even more exclusive and easy with The JL Bar Ranch and Resort Full Service Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Airport . JL Bar’s airport contains an abundance of amenities that are rare for a private airstrip, including a 5300’ x 80’ asphalt top runway, space for multiple jets, crew and passenger lounges, single point or over the wing fuel, in-flight dining from the resort’s private chef and so much more. To provide a safe operational environment for operators and guests flying in, The JL Bar Ranch and Resort Airport provides FAA certified weather from its AWOS weather reporting system. While some guests may choose the few-hour drive to Sonora, TX, cross-country travelers looking to refuel and recharge for the night, aviation enthusiasts, and luxury travelers looking for a point-to-point getaway experience can arrive via private jet or personal airplane. In addition to the private FBO, The JL Bar Ranch offers the following accommodations and activities for guests—  

  • Luxury Cabins & Cottages: JL Bar Ranch boasts sixteen standalone luxury cabins and sixteen spacious guest rooms with premium amenities, as well as the exclusive Archer’s Nest Villa, a six-bedroom villa that accommodates up to twelve guests and has a private swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, and a full home theatre.   
  • Summer Concerts:The resort is offering an intimate alternative to major concerts as music fanatics ease their way back into concert-going. The next scheduled performer is William Beckmann for the Labor Day Weekend Wine Extravaganza, with additional ongoing private concerts at the resort throughout the year.   
  • Hill Country Adventures: From a full equestrian program featuring horseback riding and a horse psychology experience to off-road ATV adventures, a Putting/Chipping Green, weekend yoga, wine tasting, and clay and skeet shooting, JL Bar Ranch’s slew of activities and programming highlight the best of West Texas culture and scenery.   
  • Cowboy Cookout: The culinary team at JL Bar Ranch has designed a decadent and interactive dining experience with its new Cowboy Cookout. Guests can take in the Texas Hill Country views with a horseback ride to the property’s cookout camp, enjoy cocktails and snacks as the culinary team prepares a lavish steak dinner, and relax to country music while soaking in the magnificent sunset.  
Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.

New book release: ‘The Tree of Knowledge’ by Daniel G. Miller

‘The Tree of Knowledge’ is book one in The Tree of Knowledge series. Photo: amazon

Daniel G Miller is a writer and entrepreneur. He currently lives in Dallas with his wife Lexi. “The Tree of Knowledge: A Mystery Thriller” is his debut novel, the first in The Tree of Knowledge series. The second is “Of Good and Evil: A Thriller.” (amazon, 2021)

“The Tree of Knowledge: A Mystery Thriller” – Albert can see the future, he just does not know it yet. It is said that the greatest chess masters can envision a match’s outcome ten moves before it occurs. Imagine a person who can visualize ten steps ahead, not simply in the game of chess, but in every human interaction. Imagine a person who could anticipate what you would say before you said it, who could see a punch before it was thrown. Imagine a person who could see the chess game of politics, economics, and power itself unfold long before it happens. Imagine a secret that could make all of this possible.

Mathematics professor Albert Puddles is such a person, and as he is thrust into a murder and burglary investigation on the Princeton campus, he finds that there is such a secret buried in an obscure cipher. The discovery leads Albert to team up with an aging mentor, a curious graduate assistant, and an unusual “book club” on a frantic chase across the country to recover the secret and clear his name. Through this adventure, Albert rediscovers a woman from his past and is forced to confront his own understanding of love, rationality, power, and the limits of the human mind.

“Of Good and Evil: A Thriller” – The second book in the bestselling Tree of Knowledge Series

Albert has seen the future…does he have the power to change it? An unstoppable force is sweeping the United States. Powered by a secret ability to predict and manipulate events, Christina Culebra and her Red Army relentlessly accumulate followers with one goal in mind: Absolute Power.

While Christina and her movement captivate the country, the one man who knows their next move– who knows their every move–Mathematics Professor Albert Puddles, hides, grief-stricken from the loss of his one and only mentor. Hoping that Albert holds the key to solving the secrets of the Red Army, his comrades in arms, known as the “Book Club,” recruit friends and foes alike to bring him back from exile. But they may be too late, for a new enemy has risen to challenge Christina and disrupt the Book Club’s plans, a mysterious terrorist known only as “The Cipher.” Faced with twin threats to everything he holds dear, Albert is forced to use his singular power to decode the riddles of a dead man while reckoning with the ghosts of his past.

‘Of Good and Evil: A Thriller’ is book two of The Tree of Knowledge series. Photo: amazon